On Saturday and Sunday it hosts its annual (now in its 43rd year) Art & Pumpkin Festival, featuring a display of Volkswagen-size champion pumpkins, the Great Pumpkin Parade (noon Saturday) with grand marshal J.T. Snow, a San Francisco Giant fan favorite; live music; a Haunted House; a new zip line; 5k and 10k Pumpkin Runs and more than 3,000 tons of pumpkins waiting to be picked from patches around town.

You can also get your fill of the orange orb with a number of pumpkin-flavored treats (new this year -- warm pretzels with a pumpkin sauce and pumpkin seeds) as well as stews, roasted turkey legs and chili. Even local brewer Half Moon Bay Brewing Co. gets into the act with its Mavericks Pumpkin Harvest Ale made with locally grown pumpkins.

Half Moon Bay showcases its creative side with the "Made on the Coast" Locals Block, featuring the creative works of area painters, photographers, potters and jewelry makers, among others. New to "Made on the Coast" on Sunday is a book and authors booth.

The festival is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free.